Phoebus' Tony Pittman no longer just a power back

They call him "Pitbull," and not just because his name is Tony Pittman. Phoebus' latest star tailback is one tough kid who is more likely to deliver punishment than absorb it.

Like last week, when at the end of a 47-yard run against Kecoughtan he lowered his shoulder and plowed into a poor defensive back. He actually was flagged for leading with the helmet, something you rarely see called on a running back.

But there's more to Pittman's style than pure power. He's added speed and elusiveness, which has helped him gain 534 yards on only 52 carries (10.3 per) this season. Of his 10 touchdowns, five have been on runs of 20 yards or longer, including a career-best 87-yarder vs. Warwick.

"He ran track last spring, which helped him tremendously," Phoebus coach Stan Sexton said. "That really helped his acceleration and running style. He's not as upright a runner as he was last year. He's got a good burst to the hole, and he hits it fast.

"He can pound at you. I was watching the Churchland tape and it was 4 yards, 4 yards, 2 yards, 40 yards. It's just one of those things where eventually he'll get one. His ability to see the field and his acceleration is a lot better this year."

A big part of it was individual work.

"I've been working at the beach at night running in the sand," Pittman said. "I've done some running with a parachute."

Sexton and his veteran assistants compare Pittman to former Phantom (and current West Virginia starter) Shawne Alston. Listed at 6-foot, 215, Pittman isn't as big as Alston. But he's nearly as strong and probably faster.

Last year, Pittman was your classic power back. After missing the first three games for disciplinary reasons, Pittman rushed for 1,577 yards and 17 touchdowns.

You want durability? In a 24-20 win over Norcom in the Eastern Region final, he carried on 42 of Phoebus' 56 plays from scrimmage. A week later, he wasn't quite as busy. He had 37 carries.

"He's tough as nails, man," Hampton coach Mike Smith said. "When I'd go over for therapy on my knee, he'd be over there getting work done. Then he'd come out Friday and run like a horse. He's just a tough, physical kid."

A year ago, not much was known about Pittman other than the fact that he hadn't played yet. His three-game suspension ended on Sept. 26 when he rushed for 57 yards vs. Heritage. A week later, he had 84 yards and a touchdown vs. Bethel. A week later, 143 yards (76 coming on a touchdown) vs. Menchville.

Pittman hasn't emerged simply as Phoebus' next great runner. He's emerged as arguably the best back in the Peninsula District.

Consider the numbers: In his 15 games since last fall, Pittman has rushed for 2,111 yards on 325 carries with 27 touchdowns. His per per-game average: 141 yards, 22 carries, and nearly two touchdowns.

"It's really surprised me," Pittman said about his sudden success. "A lot of people didn't think I had it in me. But you can't stop me with the line I have. They just dominate every play."

Because he's a relative newcomer to the scene, the recruiting attention hasn't heated up as much as it will. He still has some offers, including from Old Dominion, Syracuse and Northern Illinois.

"Alabama's been up here, they like him a lot," Sexton said. "And LSU, too. No offers yet from them, but there's some interest from the SEC schools. There are a couple of things we're working on academically, and when we get those straightened out there's going to be a lot of offers coming in."

From an unknown to a wanted man.

"It feels like everything is coming to a beginning now," he said. "It feels great. I feel like I'm waking up to my dreams."